The number of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) on London’s roads has surged dramatically over the past two decades.

It has sparked increasing concerns over safety, space, and environmental impact.

According to a new report by the campaign group Clean Cities, the capital has seen SUV ownership jump from just 80,000 in 2002 to more than 800,000 by 2023 — a tenfold increase.

Growth issues

Campaigners are warning that the growth in popularity of large SUV vehicles is taking a serious toll on public space and road safety, calling for exclusive parking charges and tighter regulations to curb their dominance.

“In London alone, SUVs now take up as much space as an entire inner-city borough — that’s tarmac we could be using for homes, parks, or safer streets,” said Oliver Lord, UK head of Clean Cities.

“These oversized vehicles are not just swallowing our public space; they’re also far more dangerous, especially for children. If we want cities that are safe, breathable, and accessible, we have to get serious about tackling the rise of these urban land-hogs.”

Paris-styling

Clean Cities has urged the government and local councils to adopt a Paris-style approach, introducing premium parking charges for SUVs to deter ownership and reduce their impact.

In Paris, residents voted last year to triple parking costs for SUVs, a move that has already led to a two-thirds reduction in SUV parking across the city, according to Le Parisien.

Campaigners believe similar measures in London could significantly improve safety, air quality, and accessibility.

Experts warn that SUVs are not just taking up space — they are far more dangerous in collisions than smaller passenger cars.

Dr. Anthony Laverty of Imperial College London, who has researched SUV-related injuries, highlighted the risks:

“Our review of global studies covering half a million road traffic injuries found that if you are hit by an SUV, you are 44% more likely to be killed compared to being struck by a passenger car. Among children, the risk jumps to 82%. The taller, blunter bonnets of SUVs make head and torso injuries far more likely. The real summary is they are much more dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists.”

 

 

Push for tougher measures.

This isn’t the first time the issue has been brought to City Hall. In June 2025, London Assembly Members voted in favour of proposals calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan to introduce higher taxes and parking fees for SUVs and push for stricter Department for Transport (DfT) regulations on vehicle size and bonnet height.

Labour Assembly Member Elly Baker, who led the motion, said:

“SUVs’ greater size, weight, and higher bonnets put vulnerable road users at greater risk, reduce available parking spaces, and cause more wear and tear on our roads. It’s time we took sensible steps to manage the impact of oversized cars and ensure our streets remain safe and accessible.”

The debate isn’t confined to London.

Across the UK, SUV sales now account for over 55% of all new car registrations, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data.

Environmental groups warn that the rise of heavier vehicles undermines the UK’s climate targets, as larger cars tend to emit higher levels of CO₂ despite advancements in hybrid and electric technology.

What’s Next

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said work is already underway to make streets safer:

“The mayor, Transport for London, and borough partners are working to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads by expanding the cycle network, making road crossings and junctions safer, reducing speed limits, and making larger vehicles like HGVs and buses safer. This year, the mayor will be refreshing his Vision Zero action plan to address emerging risks.”

Campaigners, however, warn that without decisive action on SUVs, London risks becoming a “city built for cars, not people.”

With rising calls for premium parking fees, higher taxes, and stricter vehicle regulations, the battle over the future of London’s roads looks set to intensify, and similar measures could be coming to a town near you too.